The governor of the Torres archipelago an English-penal colony since 1770 lets Caribbean pirates use the
string of islands' coves and caves in exchange for part of the loot.

But the pirates soon challenge his authority, plunder the British
ships at anchor and take over the islands. "If you can't hang
them, get them on your side", reasons the king. He grants the
buccaneers a full pardon providing they cease sacking his vessels
and laying waste the islands. Another condition: that they fly
the Union Jack in England’s battles.

France has long had an eye on these sun-drenched islands along the trade routes, and the French King sees his first opportunity to lay his royal hands on them.
Spies land with the mission of reviving the buccaneers' yearning for unfettered freedom, when they were freebooters flying the black Stulland Sones flag of piracy.